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2013 BMW X3 - Performance Review

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PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the electrohydraulic variable-assist power steering is as accurate and tactile as anything else in BMW’s entire lineupCar and Driver

The power from the naturally aspirated 3.0-liter is plenty adequate. I'm never left wanting the 300 hp from the turbo xDrive35i model.
Motor Trend

The solid reserves of torque also enhance the X3's cruising ability.AutoWeek

Abrupt maneuvers don't shake the X3's composure and it corners surprisingly flat with a full load of passengers onboard.Automobile Magazine

The twin-turbo's raspy note is wonderful under hard accelerationMotor Trend

BMW has gone all-turbo with its sedans already, and for 2013 it happens for the X3. What had essentially been the unthinkable just a few years ago is now reality: Instead of the sweet, much-loved normally aspirated in-line six-cylinder engines, there's a 2.0-liter Twin Power four in the X3 xDrive28i and a 300-hp turbo six in the xDrive35i.

Essentially, it's the same 2.0-liter 'N20' TwinPower four that's offered in those other cars—making 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That's the same power, but 39 pound-feet more torque than last year's engine. And the payback is significant: EPA fuel economy ratings get boosted to 21 mpg city, 28 highway, up from 19/25 for last year's six-cylinder xDrive28i.

BMW says that the X3 28i accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, but even that feels a bit conservative; it's the most fleet-footed of the new-generation turbo fours, and foot to the floor, it moves, with no hesitation. With direct injection, Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic variable valve timing, and twin-scroll turbocharging, the BMW four spools up very quick, with peak torque reached at a diesel-like 1,250 rpm (all the way up to 4,800 rpm).

Factor in the quick, ratcheting-yet-isolated shifts of the eight-speed automatic transmission here, and the character of the powertrain is muted and smooth yet precise and responsive. And with a Driving Dynamics Control system, you can select between several 'attitudes,' like Eco Pro, to best fit your priorities.

Step up to the 35i, and you get the 300-hp, 300 lb-ft TwinPower six that sizzles to a 60-mph acceleration time of 5.5 seconds, and to a top speed of 150 mph. Automatically, those numbers bring "3-Series" to mind, and with good reason--they're almost enough to knock off some recent vintage M3s. It's just the slightest bit confusing to your mind, since the X3 rides tall like a crossover, but launches with every bit of the authority of a great 3er--that's right, there's just not a lot of squat or nosedive in this vehicle.

Just as in the 3-Series and 5-Series, the X3 comes with Auto Start-Stop, which smartly shuts the engine off when you're at a stoplight, with your foot on the brake pedal. The moment you even start to lift pressure off the brake, the engine restarts—quite seamlessly most of the time. What disappointed us in this application was the way in which the engine shut off—with a full-body shudder that actually shook the X3's body on its tires if we'd already rolled to a full stop. Whether it's different engine mounts, the taller body, or something else, it's less refined here.

The X3's user-configurable suspension and steering are executed better than those in some other BMW vehicles. The basic suspension is still classic BMW, with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear. The electronic shocks grafted on can be adapted to the driver's tastes with a Driving Dynamics Control switch located near the gearshift lever. Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes are offered, and they adjust not only the dampers, but the throttle, transmission and steering feel according to the selected mode. It's a BMW--so it's not a shock that it feels best in Sport mode, where the electronics set up swifter steering responses and tauter ride feel. The steering feel could use more fiddling, as it builds up cornering feel even during lower-speed turns and lane changes but doesn't unwind with much feel or linearity.

A good compromise may be the available Variable Sports Steering, which is essentially just a good variable-ratio rack, providing a relaxed feel on center, at high speeds, but allowing you to more easily maneuver at lower speeds, around tight corners. And we dare say we got more steering feel through the unit, surprisingly, than through the base electric steering system that's now included in the sedans.

Although mild off-roading isn't completely off the BMW X3's roster of capabilities, the road is still the priority. All X3 models come with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, which splits power delivery 40/60 percent and is especially good for maintaining traction and poise when the road surface is slippery. It can flex to send 100 percent of available power to either end of the vehicle.

Conclusion

With a new TwinPower four, the X3 xDrive28i is now quicker and more fuel-efficient; and it handles with the sophistication of a sport sedan.

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